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Marchers still press governor to resign

February 04, 2007|By Items compiled from Tribune news services.

OAXACA, MEXICO — Thousands of protesters marched in this historic Mexican city Saturday to demand the resignation of the state's governor, showing their 8-month-old movement is still alive despite hundreds of arrests.

The protesters, a mix of teachers, trade unions and leftist and Indian groups, accuse Oaxaca state Gov. Ulises Ruiz of rigging his 2004 election and sending armed thugs to attack opponents. Ruiz denies the charges.

The protests erupted in June when state police attacked a demonstration of striking teachers demanding higher wages. At least nine people died between June and November as police and armed gangs clashed with protesters.